After several years of use, it is not uncommon for cabinets to encounter problems. One often overlooked component that can have a significant impact on the overall functionality of a cabinet is the hidden hinges. Many cabinet manufacturers tend to prioritize aesthetics over durability, opting for cheap hinges that are concealed within the cabinet structure. However, paying attention to the quality of hinges is crucial when inspecting cabinets. Reputable cabinet manufacturers understand the importance of hinges and ensure they do not compromise on their quality. So, how does this seemingly insignificant piece of hardware affect the overall use of the cabinet? What secrets lie within?In the market, hinges are available in various materials such as stainless steel, nickel-plated steel, and nickel-chrome-plated iron. When choosing hinges, consumers often focus on the hardness of the material. However, hardness alone is not the sole determinant of a hinge's longevity, especially considering the frequent opening and closing of cabinet doors in daily life. Hinges with high hardness may lack the necessary toughness for enduring long-term use. Some hinges in the market have thicker profiles to give the impression of strength and durability. While increased thickness enhances hardness, it compromises toughness, making them susceptible to breakage over time. Thus, a hinge with superior toughness is actually more durable during long-term, high-frequency usage.According to an engineer from the Hardware Department of Beijing Construction Hardware Plumbing Products Quality Supervision and Inspection Station, stainless steel is harder than nickel-plated steel and iron-nickel-chrome-plated steel, but not as tough as nickel-plated steel. Therefore, the choice of hinge material should depend on the specific circumstances. Iron-nickel-chrome-plated steel hinges are commonly found in the market due to their affordability. However, they are prone to rust, even when other metals are plated on the iron surface. Additionally, if the electroplating workmanship is subpar, the iron hinge will still rust, hindering its normal operation and reducing its lifespan.Although hinges may seem insignificant, they contribute to several issues, with the most noticeable being the sagging of cabinet doors. The Beijing Construction Hardware Plumbing Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Station identified three main reasons for this problem. Firstly, the quality of the hinge itself may be inadequate. The inspection station rigorously tests hinges for vertical static load, horizontal static load, operating force, durability, sinkage, and corrosion resistance. If a hinge fails these tests, it is more likely to break, fall off, or deform, making it difficult to close the cabinet. Unfortunately, merchants often neglect to provide consumers with these inspection reports during the purchasing process.The second reason for sagging cabinet doors lies in the poor quality of the door leaf and door frame, leading to hinge instability. Deformation of the cabinet structure due to these quality issues can subsequently affect the hinges' normal operation. Lastly, incorrect installation can also cause problems. Professional installers typically avoid such issues, but self-installation or unskilled workers may lead to inaccurately positioned hinges, resulting in sagging doors and potential hinge malfunctions.Apart from material and installation problems, other factors can contribute to hinge-related issues. For instance, the springs within the hinge assembly can be problematic. The national standards for hinges in our country only establish minimum performance criteria, such as endurance for tens of thousands of openings. However, there are no regulations for components that surpass these standards, such as the performance of the springs.In conclusion, paying attention to the quality and durability of hinges is crucial when assessing the overall functionality of cabinets. Hinges made from durable and appropriate materials, along with proper installation, are essential for ensuring the longevity and smooth operation of cabinet doors. By understanding and considering these factors, consumers can make informed choices when selecting cabinets and identifying any potential hinge-related issues.

Article Rewritten:Abstract: This article aims to address the issues of lengthy development cycles and inadequate motion analysis accuracy in current automobile opening and closing parts. It proposes a solution by establishing the kinematics equation for the glove box hinge of a car model using Matlab, and solving the motion curve of the hinge mechanism's spring. Additionally, the mechanical system is utilized to establish a mechanism motion model in the dynamics software Adams. Simulation analysis is conducted on the operating force and displacement of the glove box in the design stage, resulting in improved solution efficiency and providing a theoretical basis for optimal hinge mechanism design.With the advancement of the automobile industry and computer technology, customer demands for product customization have increased. This article focuses on the six-link hinge mechanism widely used in the opening and closing parts of automobiles, particularly the glove box hinge. The design of the hinge linkage mechanism must meet various requirements, such as ensuring the initial position of the box cover and its matching relationship with the panel, providing a convenient opening angle for occupants to access items, and ensuring easy opening and closing operations while reliably locking at the maximum opening angle position.Hinge mechanism for the glove box:The hinge mechanism for the glove box of a car model consists of two springs and multiple connecting rods. The opening angle of the box cover is determined by the stroke of the springs. The mechanism exhibits a unique trajectory due to the changing lengths of the springs and the positions of the hinge points. The design requirements of the hinge linkage mechanism include shape limitations, meeting panel matching requirements, providing a convenient opening angle, and ensuring easy opening/closing operations.Matlab numerical calculation:To analyze the motion law of the hinge mechanism, the article uses Matlab to solve the motion curve of the hinge spring. The mechanism is decomposed into two four-bar linkages, and the motion laws of the hinge springs are solved analytically. The Matlab program provides the movement curves for the hinge springs L1 and L2 during the closing process of the lid. The analysis reveals that the displacement and force of the springs change gradually during the process.Adams simulation analysis:A hinge six-link spring simulation model is established in Adams, allowing constraints and driving forces to be added, leading to the generation of displacement, velocity, and acceleration curves for the two springs. Simulation analysis is conducted on the hinge spring model, and the stroke and force curves of the springs are calculated. Comparisons between the Matlab analytical method and Adams simulation method reveal good consistency between the two, with maximum relative errors not exceeding 0.84%.This article successfully establishes the kinematic equations and conducts modeling, simulation, and analysis of the hinge spring mechanism. It verifies the feasibility and consistency of the two methods, enhancing solution efficiency. The Matlab analytical method handles diverse data effectively, while Adams modeling and simulation offer convenience. The comparison between the two methods shows small differences, leading to improved calculation accuracy and providing a theoretical basis for optimal hinge mechanism design.